Canary Islands cruise traffic rises in first half of 2026
Ports across the islands handled about 2.29 million cruise passengers, while Las Palmas prepares to host Seatrade Cruise Med.
Canary Islands ports handled approximately 2.29 million cruise passengers from January through June 2026, an increase of about 9.8% compared with the same six-month period in 2025.
Traffic was particularly strong during the opening quarter. Around 653,000 cruise passengers passed through the islands’ ports in January, followed by approximately 582,000 in February and about 637,000 in March.
Las Palmas will also host Seatrade Cruise Med at the Santa Catalina Cruise Terminal on September 16 and 17. The industry event is expected to draw around 180 exhibitors, more than 200 representatives from cruise lines and over 2,000 attendees.
The gathering comes amid substantial expansion in luxury cruising worldwide. The global luxury cruise fleet grew from 28 ships in 2010 to 97 vessels in 2024, increasing competition among ports seeking to attract premium passengers and smaller ships associated with higher spending.